Even while some airlines are recognized for their exceptional onboard service, I find that on short flights, there is no service at all to be the finest.
I enjoy traveling with companies like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways on long-haul flights in a premium class because of the efforts the cabin staff does to make sure every passenger has a special voyage.
Nothing is too much effort, and I've found myself chatting so much with the flight attendants that we exchanged advice on our preferred layover cities and talked about the background of their airlines and how they stack up against their rivals.
Their passion for flying is contagious
But while flying solo, whether locally or to Europe, my main objective is to avoid speaking to anyone.
I'm not doing it because I dislike the crew or the other passengers.
It's just that on a flight this short, I don't need any service at all.
Starting with boarding, I rarely have my boarding pass checked as I enter a small aircraft.
They and I both assume that I can find my row number on my own.
They can just instruct me to go "down the aisle" and to the left or right, and there isn't much else they can do for me besides say "welcome aboard."
After taking my seat, I prepare my Bose noise-canceling headphones (one of the most practical items I have ever had and a freebie that came with my new pre-ordered Pixel 6 smartphone), respectfully pay attention to the safety demonstration, then queue up some music and relax.
On a brief flight, I always select a window seat because I rarely need to use the restroom or get up and move about (I do those before boarding).
I turn on the noise canceling on my headphones, so I don't even notice if there are any agitated little children or loud people nearby who may have had one too many at the airport bar.
I can fall asleep on even the shortest of flights, which is an enviable talent.
If I'm very lucky, I won't wake up until the plane touches down on the runway, during which time I won't have needed to interact with anyone at all.
For me, a short flight like this is perfect.
In order to avoid having to eat or drink anything throughout the trip, whether I'm sleeping, working on anything, reading a book, or gazing out the window, I normally eat something in the lounge before boarding and fill up my dependable reusable metal water bottle.
Even on airlines that do offer a complimentary food and beverage in economy on a little flight, I feel that they are usually so small and unhealthy/tasteless that it is not worth the wait for a crew member to come to your row with the cart.
The breakfast bars British Airways has been giving away in Euro Traveler for what feels like years are not recommended, even if you adore sugar.
I would rather bring my own water bottle than use one of these, saving plastic.
At best, the food served on European flights has been a stale sandwich or bread roll that doesn't taste very good and isn't very nourishing.
I don't think it's worthwhile to keep an eye out for the trolley as it moves toward your row down the aisle.
Free does not imply that it is worthwhile to consume.
As they say, everything in moderation, including free things.
If there is anything we can do to make your journey more comfortable, please don't hesitate to ask your crew, the welcome messages on short flights frequently say.
However, they can't really do anything for me to make the flight experience better.
I rarely actually need anything, therefore I'm far more concerned about a short trip leaving and arriving on schedule than I am talking to the employees.
When I occasionally fail to bring my reliable noise-canceling headphones
As I must listen to countless crew announcements and the passengers around me, I bemoan my bad planning.
I have no interest in learning about the variety of ladies' scents that are offered for sale on today's flight on ultra-low-cost airlines like Ryanair.
I also don't want to pay a lower price for a deck of cards or a scratch card.
In conclusion
By selecting a window seat, using the restroom before to takeoff, and not requesting any food, drink, or other assistance from crew, I have mastered my approach for avoiding speaking to anyone on short-haul flights when flying alone.
Naturally, if I'm in an aisle or middle seat, I'll be pleased to help anyone who wants to move into the aisle; I won't ignore them just because I'm donning headphones.
I usually enjoy talking to people while I'm traveling with them, especially if we are going on a beautiful vacation.
In these situations, I frequently get so enthusiastic that I have trouble staying motionless.
On a typical workday, I'm content when I'm not a nuisance and can simply sit at the window by myself, drift off, and go to my destination with the least amount of hassle.
On these flights, having absolutely no service is the best I can hope for.
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